Cattle

Guide
Selecting
Cattle for
Your Small
Farm

www.countrysidenetwork.com
Cattle Guide 1
 Index
Selecting Cattle for Your Small Farm....................................................4

Know When to Hold, When to Run.......................................................10

Management on a Small Acreage.......................................................12

Countryside Bookstore.........................................................................15

Selecting Hay for Cattle........................................................................16

2 Cattle Guide
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Cattle Guide 3
 Selecting Cattle for
Your Small Farm
Find out Which Breed Best Suits Your Needs

By Heather Smith Thomas

T
here are so many cattle breeds and crosses that it’s hard to know which ones to choose when researching how to
start a cattle farm. Cattle farming for beginners requires researching dozens and dozens of beef cattle breeds and
composites, and a half dozen major dairy cattle breeds. There are also a number of minor cattle breeds that are often
more attractive to the small farmer than they are to the big producer. You may want to raise animals that are bred for beef
or dairy, or you might want a dual-purpose type of cow that provides enough milk for your family and also a good beef-
type calf to butcher. What you select will depend on how much room you have and whether you want to have a small
dairy or a beef herd, or just a cow or two to produce your own meat or milk.
The many cattle breeds and types of cattle have a wide variety of characteristics that make them unique. Some are better
suited to certain environments or management systems than others. Some of the older cattle breeds are less popular today
and small in number, but this does not make them any less suitable for beef production (or for dairy purposes on a small
scale or for a pasture dairy). Under certain conditions, one of these cattle breeds may fit your goals better than a more
popular breed. You may want to take a look at some of the minor cattle breeds or crosses that utilize these breeds when
choosing animals that might best fit your interests, environment, resources, and ability to care for the animals.

4 Cattle Guide
 Some cattle breeds are very old, such as are now raised mainly as beef animals. In able production must have the ability to
the Chianina — ­ an Italian breed of huge Europe, for instance, the Simmental is a flourish on forages alone, with greater forage
cattle that goes back 2,000 years or more to dual-purpose dairy animal whereas in North efficiency, parasite and disease resistance,
the time of the Roman Empire, where they America the breed has been more selectively hardiness, maternal abilities, good fertility
were used as oxen. Others (like Beefmaster, bred as just a beef animal. under marginal conditions, and longevity.
Santa Gertrudis, Brangus, Polled Herefords, The Shorthorn, on the other hand, has a Many of these qualities have been ignored
Red Angus, Senepol, Hays Converter, etc.) registry for milking Shorthorns and another or minimized in popular cattle breeds used
have been created in the past several decades registry for beef Shorthorns. Even though for maximum production. Selection empha-
by selecting certain traits within an existing some cattle breeds are similar in color, they sis in modern cattle breeds has been on the
breed and concentrating on those (the red are not the same in other traits. If you are fa- fastest gain, higher weaning and yearling
gene in Angus, or the polled mutation in miliar with the typical “type” and conforma- weights, or (in the case of dairy cattle) more
Herefords) or by combining the genetics tion of certain cattle breeds, you can readily milk production. Cattle have been bred for
of older cattle breeds to create a mix that differentiate between a Red Angus and a red these traits, thinking these animals would be
becomes a new breed (like Beefmaster, Limousin, Gelbvieh or Salers. These breeds most profitable. Stockmen working toward
Senepol, Santa Gertrudis, etc.) Since there have differences in body build, frame size, maximum production overlook the fact that
were no cattle in North America when set- bone size, etc. Most of the modern, popular maximum profit may not come from the
tlers first arrived, they brought the breeds beef breeds are larger in size (and wean big- animal that grows biggest the fastest (or
they were familiar with from the British ger calves) than some of the rarer and “old gives the most milk) — if there’s more cost
Isles or Europe. fashioned” breeds, but in many instances, and labor involved.
In more recent years, cattle from other the latter can serve your purposes on a small Often the hardier, smaller cow that needs
continents have also been imported, such farm requiring less feed and often less care. less feed (and continues to produce calves
as zebu cattle (including the Brahman) from and keep up an adequate milk flow on inex-
India/Africa, the Wagyu cattle from Japan, Select An Appropriate Breed pensive grazing — without purchased feeds
Watusi from Africa, etc. The many beef cattle If you want cows that can do well in a pas- or grain and supplements) is more profit-
breeds have differences in size (height and ture dairy (using grass rather than grain) or able. She stays in the herd longer, producing
body weight), carcass traits (lean or fat), are interested in producing beef in a natural a calf every year, making more money even
color and markings, hair coat and weather environment, on a small farm, or in a sus- though her calves are smaller or she gives
tolerance, and so on. Most cattle are horned tainable agriculture system (with minimal less milk than a traditional dairy cow. She
and some cattle breeds are polled. Some of inputs), one of the minor cattle breeds may produces more pounds of beef, or more total
the horned cattle breeds have had Angus work well for you. This type of production milk (more cheaply) in her lifetime because
genetics infused into them in recent years, system often demands different qualities she has more total calves and never came
so the offspring are now polled and black than do the intensive confinement systems up open, or in the case of a milk cow is not
— two traits that have become popular with that are common in modern dairies or beef “burned out” and culled from the herd at
many stockmen. In some of the traditionally production. Animals for low-input sustain- an early age.
red, horned European breeds like Salers,
Gelbvieh, Limousin, and Simmental, you
can now choose black, polled versions if
you wish. Beef breeds are stockier and more
muscled than dairy breeds. The latter have
been selected for their milking ability rather
than for beef production and the cows are
finer boned, more feminine, and have larger
udders-giving much more milk.
Many beef cattle breeds were originally
“Boom Boom,”
bred for large size and great strength so
a Holstein steer,
they could be used as draft animals to pull looks a little wary
carts, wagons and plows, as well as for meat. of hugs from her
When animals were no longer needed so caretaker, the
much for draft purposes (after the invention author’s husband.
of farm machinery and trucks), these large,
heavy muscled animals were no longer used
as oxen and were selectively bred just to
create beef. Many cattle breeds (including
Shorthorn, Brown Swiss, Simmental, Gelb-
vieh, Pinzgauer, Tarentaise) were used early
on for milk and meat.
Some of these cattle breeds were later split
into two registries, with different selected
types for either milk or beef, while others
Cattle Guide 5
 Dairy cows in pasture situations — not than others. In a northern climate (and if lications of that day predicted a great future
pushed for maximum production — may cattle will be foraging in rough conditions for the breed, considering it much superior
continue to produce well into their teens, without pampering), these cattle breeds to the smaller, more fragile Aberdeen Angus.
whereas most dairy cows in the big con- perform better and stay healthier than cattle
finement dairies (where they are fed huge from a hotter climate. Minor Cattle Breeds for Temperate
amounts of concentrates so they can give Climates & Lush Forage
more milk) often break down and are sold Scotch Highland: Originally called the Some cattle breeds were developed in
by the time they are four to six years old. Kayloe, this ancient breed has not changed moderate climates, utilizing lush native pas-
Animals that are hardy, and adaptable to much since its beginnings in the rugged, tures or improved pastures while produc-
various environments (thriving even in Scottish Highlands where it survived on ing maximum amounts of beef efficiently,
harsh or marginal conditions), are often less sparse, coarse native forage. Here are some without grain.
expensive to raise because they need less interesting Highland cattle facts. These
care and are productive without expensive animals have impressive horns and long Devon: Devon cattle originated in southwest-
feeds. Thus some of the minor or rare cattle hair. Most are red, but individuals range in ern England as draft animals and were later
breeds can be more appropriate for sustain- color from tan to black, with an occasional selected for beef production traits, produc-
able agriculture systems than more common white and dun. ing flavorful meat on native grasses. This is
cattle breeds. As one of the hardiest cattle breeds, a popular breed in countries like Australia,
One of the reasons minor cattle breeds are they can survive in poor conditions where Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa where
not as popular is that they do not produce other cattle perish. First imported to North few feedlots exist and cattle are finished on
as maximally and are not a good fit for in- America in the late 1800s, ranchers on the grass. Sometimes called Ruby Red Devons,
tensive agricultural systems that push for plains found that during bad winters, High- these red cattle may be horned or polled.
highest performance. But if you want low land cattle survived the worse blizzards and Mature bulls weigh 1,800 to 2,200 pounds,
input beef production or a minimum labor broke trail through snowdrifts, enabling while cows weigh 1,200 to 1,400. Calves are
grass-based dairy system, you need a breed other cattle to make it to feed and water. small at birth, weighing 55 to 60 pounds.
whose efficiency of production is more im- Calves are small at birth but grow rapidly. Devons were first brought to North America
portant than maximum production. Many Mature animals are small compared to most in 1623 by early colonists for meat, milk, and
of the rare and minor cattle breeds are more of the popular beef cattle breeds; bulls weigh draft. They played an important role in early
adaptable in a variety of environments. In 1,200 to 1,600 pounds and cows weigh be- American agriculture and some were used
a beef operation, some of the lesser known tween 900 to 1,300 pounds. Due to their ease as oxen pulling wagons west on the Oregon
cattle breeds produce outstanding crossbred of calving, hardiness, and dramatic level of Trail. Hardy and adaptable, the Devon thrives
offspring, due to the great amount of hybrid hybrid vigor when crossed with other cattle, in nearly all parts of the U.S. but the breed
vigor imparted to their calves. When match- they are sometimes used in crossbreeding population in this country today is small.
ing animals to your own environment, you programs to produce efficient, hardy range
may want to consider raising or crossing one cattle. Highland and their crosses produce Red Poll: Deep red in color, these cattle were
of these less popular cattle breeds. There are an excellent beef carcass. developed in the 1840s in southern England
many breeds to choose from; the following (crossing two types of polled cattle in Suf-
list is just a sampling. Galloway: This rugged breed was devel- folk and Norfolk counties) to utilize good
oped in southwestern Scotland during the pastureland, and were first imported to the
Minor Cattle Breeds for Cold 16th century, an area not much less rugged U.S. in 1873. Originally bred as dual-purpose
Climates/Rough Conditions than the Highlands. Larger than Highland (meat and milk), the cows are highly fertile
Some cattle breeds can handle colder cattle (mature bulls weigh about 2,000 and raise growthy calves. Calves average
weather, wind, and marginal forages better pounds, with cows ranging from 1,200 to about 80 pounds at birth but grow fast.
1,400 pounds), the Galloway is polled, black Mature bulls weigh about 1,600 and cows
(though a few are red, white or dun) and average 1,140 pounds. Since the breed is not
sturdy, with long, shaggy hair that sheds in closely related to other beef breeds, it can be
summer. They handle severe winter weather utilized in a crossbreeding program to im-
very well and keep foraging in deep snow part exceptional hybrid vigor. Throughout
when other cattle give up. They are good its history, it’s been used primarily for grass
travelers, with rock-hard hooves. finishing (reaching market weight at a young
Galloway cattle were brought to Canada age) and excels in meat quality (marbling
in 1853; the first ones in the U.S. were and tenderness) without grain.
brought to Michigan in 1870. The Belted
Galloway has the same genetic background Minor Cattle Breeds for Hot Climates
but for the past century has been considered Unless cattle are well-adapted to hot
a separate breed. Calves are born small and or humid climates, they suffer heat stress
hardy, and gain rapidly. Steers produce a and are not very productive. Breeds that
very trim carcass with a high percentage of originated in cooler climates (British cattle
meat. Beef breeders in the U.S. during the or most European cattle) do not do well
early 1900s were impressed by the breed’s in southern regions of the U.S. that have
A Scottish Highland Cattle in a meadow. efficiency and beef quality; agricultural pub- extreme climate.
6 Cattle Guide
American Criollo: Several related cattle
breeds in the American Southwest and the Surprisingly, Dexter cows give more milk
Gulf States are descended from Spanish
cattle brought to North and Central America for their body weight than any other breed
during the 1500s. The Spanish cattle were
a wide range of colors and color patterns. (including high producing dairy cows)
Their descendants are still colorful, and the
various cattle breeds that evolved in the with only modest feed requirements.
harsh climate of the southern U.S. (hot and
dry in the Southwest, hot and humid in the
Southeast and Gulf states) are hardy, fertile, light bones. The crossbred Senepol utilized raised by Egyptian farmers in the Nile Val-
and able to utilize marginal forages. very poor subtropical grazing conditions, ley, eventually spreading to Ethiopia and
Texas Longhorns were the backbone of thriving on whatever vegetation was avail- southern parts of Africa. About 4,000 years
the early western cattle industry (able to able. These cattle (and their crosses with ago, the humped Zebu cattle from Pakistan
thrive in rugged grazing conditions with other cattle breeds) are well suited to hot and India reached Africa (with human mi-
no human care) until the imported British climates and low input beef production. grations, taking livestock with them). After
cattle breeds supplanted them. Longhorns They add heat tolerance to any cross, with- Zebu cattle arrived in what is now Ethiopia
were not as beefy, and their horns posed out sacrificing carcass quality, and hybrid and Somalia, they were crossed with the
a problem with transport to market when Egyptian Longhorn to produce the Sanga,
vigor is greater than most other Bos Taurus
stockmen began shipping cattle by rail which then spread to eastern Africa to be-
combinations. Stockmen like their ease of
rather than driving them. The breed nearly come the base of many African cattle breeds.
handling, which makes them attractive to
disappeared in the early 1900s, but some The Sanga had most of the typical Zebu
small farmers. Moderate-sized (cows 1,100 traits (neck hump, upturned horns, pendu-
were protected in a wildlife refuge. Renewed to 1,200 pounds, bulls 1,600 to 1,800 pounds), lous dewlap, and sheath) but their modern
interest in the breed’s hardiness, foraging they are early maturing and very fertile. descendants vary in size, conformation and
ability, long life and maternal traits revived Senepol was recognized as a breed in horn size/shape due to selective breeding by
it; today its numbers continue to grow. 1948. A registry and herd book was estab- different tribes. In early times, the Ankole-
Florida Cracker and Pineywoods cattle lished in 1976. Parent cattle breeds are noted Watusi were considered sacred by many
are closely related cattle breeds that came for easy calving. Red Poll contributed gentle tribes — providing milk but rarely used
from the same foundation stock as Texas disposition, fertility, and maternal traits, for meat since wealth was measured in the
Longhorns but developed along the Gulf along with excellent carcass quality. The number of cattle. Ankole cattle were brought
Coast in a much different environment. N’Dama contributed heat tolerance and to European and British zoos and game parks
They are very small in size, with shorter parasite resistance, making Senepol the only from Africa in the late 1800s and early 1900s,
horns than the longhorn, running wild for heat-tolerant Bos Taurus breed. Studies at and to America from European zoos in the
several hundred years in swamp and scrub Subtropical Agricultural Research Station 1920s and 30s and later became available for
lands (heavily wooded lowland areas). They in Florida showed that Senepol cattle cope sale to private individuals. In 1983, a registry
are resistant to extremes of heat/humidity, with heat slightly better than Brahmans, was created; some people use these cattle for
insect parasites, disease, and thrive on poor and other studies show that Senepol graze roping, and some for meat production (due
forage, producing calves until their late teens for longer periods of time during hot days to breed traits of low fat and low cholesterol).
and early 20s. Though cows are small, they than Herefords (doing better in hot weather).
produce excellent calves when crossed with Other Minor Cattle Breeds
other breeds. They nearly disappeared as a Ankole-Watusi: These medium-sized cattle That Appeal to Small Farmers
breed by the mid-1950s, due to crossing with have long, large-diameter horns, a straight Some cattle breeds are selected for their
Brahman, Hereford, and Angus, and would topline, and sloping rump, and are solid dual-purpose characteristics, ease of handling,
have become extinct except for preservation colored or spotted. Some have a neck hump. or ability to thrive in marginal conditions.
efforts by a few farm families. In 1989, the Bulls weigh 1,000 to 1,600 pounds and cows
Florida Cracker Cattle Breeders Association 900 to 1,200 pounds. Calves are very small at Dexter: These small cattle originated in
was formed to promote and preserve the birth (30 to 50 pounds) but grow fast because Ireland and have been serving families
breed and 400 animals were registered as the cow’s milk is about 10 percent butterfat. since the 1800s. Due to their novel size they
foundation animals. The breed is heat tolerant, and their large became very popular in the UK and were
horns serve as radiators to help dissipate eventually imported to the US in 1905.
Senepol: This polled red breed was devel- body heat; blood circulating through the The breed may have begun by cross-
oped in the early 1900s on the Virgin Islands horns is cooled before returning to the ing the Kerry (a smaller, fine-boned dairy
(St. Croix) by crossing N’Dama cows from body. The cattle handle weather extremes breed descended from the Celtic Shorthorn,
Senegal and Red Poll bulls from England to well, having developed in a climate where brought to Ireland 4,000 years ago) with
create cattle that could do well in hot and the temperature may range from 20 to 120 another breed, perhaps the Devon, which
dry or hot and humid climates. The N’Dama degrees F. would explain the well deserved reputa-
originated in West Africa, descending from These cattle trace their African ancestry tion that Dexter’s have for providing both
humpless longhorn cattle of Egypt. The back more than 6,000 years. Forerunners of high quality beef and milk in manageable
N’Dama is compact and well-muscled, with the breed were long-horned humpless cattle quantities.
Cattle Guide 7
 Surprisingly, Dexter cows give more Welsh Black: This breed originated along Dutch Belted: This breed traces back to belted
milk for their body weight than any other the coast of Wales and has an excellent cattle from mountain farms in Switzerland
breed (including high producing dairy disposition; they were historically raised and Austria, highly prized for their milk-
cows) with only modest feed requirements. and tended by women. Harsh weather and ing and fattening ability. Some of the first
Calves typically mature early finishing to poor grazing honed the breed’s ability to imports to the U.S. were by P.T. Barnum in
a USDA Choice grade of beef on grain or get by on minimal forage and they handle 1840 for his circus. These cattle flourished
grass as early as 24 months. Although not cold weather better than most cattle breeds. in the U.S. as a dairy breed until about 1940,
marketed commercially in the US, Dexter They were first brought to the U.S. in 1966. but are now listed as critically rare by the
beef is renowned in the UK by butchers and Originally bred for milk and meat, the cows American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
chefs for its flavor, tenderness and marbling. raise fast-growing calves. Mature cows They are attracting interest from farmers
Dexters are efficient hardy grazers usu- weigh 1,000 to 1,300 pounds; bulls weigh who utilize grass-based beef and dairy
ally browsing what other breeds will not, 1,800 to 2,000 pounds. Cows are fertile and programs, however, because of their easy
have easy unassisted calving and are very long-lived. The cattle are horned, but many calving, exceptional longevity and fertility,
adaptable environmentally thriving globally U.S. breeders select for polled individuals. high meat yield, and friendly disposition.
from Canada to Cuba, Norway to Australia. Traditional cattle breeds can also work
Originally, Dexters were predominantly Normande:  This colorful French breed well if you select wisely. Sometimes it’s
black with horns, but today there are also harks back to cattle brought to Normandy easier to find cattle from more popular, tra-
dun colored and red colored as well as by Viking conquerors in the 9th and 10th ditional cattle breeds since you can probably
polled (hornless) animals in the breed. centuries, evolving into a dual-purpose buy them locally without having to look so
Their good temperament and smaller breed. Some went to South America in the far or travel a long way to find, buy, and
size, generally 36” – 44” tall with mature 1890s, where there are now four million bring them home. Look around your local
cows weighing up to 750 lbs and bulls up purebreds (and countless crossbreds). They region, talk to other small farmers, find out
to 1,000 lbs, makes them ideal for smaller are adaptable and hardy, doing well in the what types of cattle they are raising and
acreages and first time cattle owners. Andes Mountains at elevations up to 13,000 what seems to work best for them. You may
Although considered a rare breed by feet, traveling long distances over rough be able to select cattle from someone you
the Livestock Conservancy, today Dex- terrain to utilize native forages. Carcasses know, who has a few to sell.
ters are readily available in the US with have high muscle to bone ratio and lean Cattle that are adapted to your climate
breeders in every state including Hawaii. meat that marbles readily. Cows weigh and conditions are often the best way to
Dexter information provided by the PURE- 1,200 to 1,500; bulls weigh 2,000 to 2,400 go when you are just getting started. If you
BRED DEXTER CATTLE ASSOCIATION OF pounds. They have long, deep bodies and have a favorite breed, choose some good
NORTH AMERICA: Providing resources, wide ribcages, and perform well on a high individuals from that breed from a local,
inspiration and value to breeders and buy- roughage diet. Calves are born easily and reputable stockman. You don’t need a pure-
ers. Learn more at http://www.dextersto- grow fast, and finishing beef animals have bred (unless you are specifically interested
day.com. rapid gain on roughage alone, with no grain. in raising purebreds) nor even a herd of just
one breed. Oftentimes a crossbred or com-
posite animal is the best fit for a small farm
because it combines the best traits of more
than one breed and has the added advan-
tage of hybrid vigor: more hardiness, better
fertility, longevity, and increased production
under more marginal conditions.
Crossbreds or composites are often the
most profitable cattle. The individual traits
of a given animal are also more important
than what breed it is. There are outstand-
ing animals and some poor ones, in every
breed. Even if a certain breed is well known
for feed efficiency and fertility or for sound
udders, or “good disposition,” for instance,
you still need to be selective; don’t buy
any animal sight unseen. There are usually
some individuals in every breed that don’t
live up to the breed standard and they will
disappoint you. Carefully evaluate any
animal before you buy it. If you are unsure
about some of the finer points of bovine
conformation or what makes a good cow,
have a friend (whose knowledge of cattle
you trust) help you pick out the ones you
A Red Dexter bull standing in a field. buy.
8 Cattle Guide
 D attle
exter
Serving families
since the 1800’s
• Premium beef
C
• Superior milk
• in Manageable quantities
• Small size
• Docile temperament
• Extremely hardy
• Low maintenance

Associatio
attle n
C
of
ter

No
ebred Dex

rth America

Learn more at www.dexterstoday.com

Pur

Purebred Dexter Cattle Association of North America

Cattle Guide 9
Know When to Hold,
When to Run
Tips on How to Avoid Getting
Hurt When Handling Cattle

By Heather Smith Thomas

M
ost accidents with cattle occur when people han- you or turns around and runs back out from the chute en-
dling them do not understand basic cow psycholo- trance. Don’t be in a position with nowhere to go if the ani-
gy, they’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, or mal suddenly turns your way as it tries to run off. Don’t get
trying to force an animal to do something it doesn’t under- run over or smashed into the fence.
stand and it becomes agitated or panics. Accidents at calving Remember that even a gentle cow may kick if you come
time can occur if a cow considers you a threat to her calf. up behind and startle her, and a nervous or defensive cow
Cattle can become dangerous when handled in a confined will kick if she feels threatened when you get too close.
area if they panic and become defensive. Their reaction to a Cows have a greater range of side motion when kicking than
perceived threat to their own safety is fight or flight; if they a horse does, so don’t make the mistake of thinking you are
don’t have room to run away they will attack. out of range when standing beside a cow. She can hit you
Cattle generally won’t attack a person if they have room with a swift “cow kick” if you are anywhere behind the front
to move away from you instead (especially if they know and shoulder.
respect you), but even gentle cattle can accidentally hurt When working cattle, it helps to know them individually,
you by running into you in their efforts to get away if you be able to predict their actions, and be prepared for what they
press them too closely. Wild, nervous cattle are much more might do, or to “read” an unfamiliar cow’s intentions. Some
dangerous in close quarters than calm, gentle ones, for they become insecure and unpredictable when being worked and
panic much quicker and need a lot more room. They become are more apt to panic or become aggressive. Some are not
agitated and defensive (and on the flight) even if you are aggressive but still may hurt you intentionally if you hap-
some distance away, whereas a gentle cow accustomed to pen to be in the way. An old placid cow may just shut her
human handling will tolerate your presence until you are eyes to avoid a flailing whip and keep coming, walking right
practically close enough to touch her. into you by accident. Two animals busy fighting may not see
Always have an escape route in mind when working you at all, and smash you into the fence as one pushes the
cattle in a confined area (even if cattle are calm and gentle); other or if one suddenly dodges the other’s charge.
leave yourself enough room to dodge aside if one backs into An over-protective mother with a young calf may choose
10 Cattle Guide
to fight when you get too close. Some cows can be more you can dodge away and get to the fence. Cattle prefer to
emotional and dangerous than bulls. Know your animals; move away from high-pitched noises.
be prepared for how they might act when being worked in The best way to avoid being hurt by cattle is to handle them
a corral. Respect them and what they might do, but remem- properly (this creates less chance of getting them frightened,
ber that you must be the boss, the dominant one. If you are upset or on the fight), handle them enough to train them (so
afraid of them they will know it and quickly take advantage they know you, and know what to expect from you, and ac-
of you. No one who is actually afraid of cattle should ever cept you as boss), and select for good disposition and calm
work them in a corral. There is no need to be afraid of cattle, individuals when keeping replacement heifers for a herd or
however. If you have mind control over them and a domi- when choosing a bull. Any truly unmanageable or mean ani-
nant attitude, they will respect you and back down, just as mals should be culled.
they would from a dominant herd member. There is no reason to raise wild cattle that are hard to han-
dle. Even if an ornery cow raises a big calf, that calf may be
Body Language a problem in the feedlot or at slaughter. You are better off to
Try to know their minds and read their body language. cull that kind of cow and replace her with a heifer that has a
Cattle give you clues to what they are thinking and you can more manageable attitude and disposition.
usually anticipate their next action. If you watch them close-
ly you can detect when they are about to move. Cattle are
long-necked and front heavy; they rely on head and neck
for balance and directional control of their body movement.
Watching the head, neck, and shoulders of a cow will often Calm Animals
tell you what she is about to do. If a front shoulder drops Make Better Beef
slightly, she is about to turn to that side. If the skin twitch-
es or rolls in the shoulder area, she is getting ready to turn
quickly to that side, such as spin around. Quiet, gentle animals are always
You can usually tell from the eyes and head position if an nicer to have in a cowherd than wild
animal is scared or mad. A steady stare often means an ag-
gressive attitude; the animal may be getting ready to charge
ones, and also do better in the feed-
at you if you give it any excuse. Rapidly moving eyes usu- lot, gaining weight more efficiently
ally mean the animal is afraid or nervous. Slowly moving and not disrupting or upsetting the
eyes generally mean you are being evaluated to determine other cattle. The wilder, more ner-
whether or not you are a threat. An animal that slings its
head in threatening gestures is giving you a warning; this
vous ones have lower average daily
is an aggressive action and if you make a move, the animal gains; the calmest animals tend to
may charge. have the highest gains. Another
An animal with head held low is being very aggressive problem with wild, excitable cattle
and poised to charge at you, ready to hit you with its head.
An animal with head above shoulder level is usually nervous
is they are often dark cutters when
or frightened, while one with head held at normal (shoul- butchered. The meat is darker than
der) level is either unconcerned and not feeling threatened normal, with a shorter shelf life, not
or is still evaluating whether or not you are a threat. An ani- keeping as well. Abnormally dark
mal that does not face you (keeping its rear end toward you)
is either frightened and wanting to flee, or is unconcerned
meat is due to low level of muscle
and at ease, not bothering to face you. glycogen at time of slaughter, and
If an animal makes aggressive gestures, hold your ground stress is the main cause of glyco-
and stare it down, unless you are too close to its personal gen depletion in muscles. Physical
space. In that case, slowly back up. Do not run!
Aggressive cattle always charge at movement. Stand still
stress (strenuous exertion) and psy-
and project your most dominating thoughts. You are the chological stress (adrenalin secre-
boss! If you must move, move slowly. If you can out-psych tion from excitement) are primary
the animal before it charges, it may not follow through with factors. These stresses can be due
aggressive action. You might need a stick handy which will
give you a psychological upper hand. Not only will some of
to poor disposition (nervousness
them hesitate to charge at you if you have a weapon, but if and excitability) or abusive handling,
you feel more confident they can sense it. They are less apt to and abusive handling often occurs
charge you. (Beating any animal isn’t going to change its ba- when cattle have poor dispositions
sic nature, and can usually make the situation worse. — Ed.)
If an animal does charge at you, yell. A high-pitched scream
and are difficult to work with.
will often deflect or interrupt the charge because cattle have
sensitive ears. A scream may distract the animal enough that
Cattle Guide 11
 Management on a
Small Acreage
By Heather Smith Thomas

O
n most small farms, pasture man- How Many Cattle Will Your Pasture Support?
agement is the most crucial factor On average, a good quality pasture — good soil, containing palatable forage plants rather
involved in keeping cattle. Your than weeds — that gets adequate moisture from rainfall or irrigation will easily feed two
total acreage (whether three or 30) will dic- adult beef animals per acre (such as yearlings or dry cows) during the growing season.
tate how many cattle you can graze, as will Diligent mob grazing — moving the cattle frequently from one very small portion of the
your climate (whether you have year-round pasture to another and then allowing it to completely regrow before returning to that same
grazing or seasonal grass growth), and how piece — will increase this stocking rate.
you rotate or manage the pasture. You can It will take more pasture to feed a lactating cow (cow/calf pair), especially a high-pro-
always grow more grass (and hence more ducing cow that gives a lot of milk, such as Gelbveih or Simmental; they may need twice
beef) with well-managed pasture, grazed the energy at peak lactation than they did when they were dry. When you go from a dry
in a rotation system, than you can when cow at maintenance to peak lactation, you have doubled the stocking rate on the farm in
using it as one big field. In the latter situa- terms of forage demand, even before you add in what the calf grazes.
tion, some plants are overgrazed and may A good rule of thumb would be one acre per cow/calf pair, and you might need to adjust
weaken and die out, while some of the least this figure a little to fit your pastures and type of cattle. After the peak of the growing season,
favorite plants may never be eaten unless the when climate becomes hotter and/or drier, it may take 50 percent more pasture acreage to
cattle run out of better feed. feed the same animals if you are depending on it to regrow that same season. In a climate
that has cold winters, grass growth will slow or stop after the weather turns cold in late fall.
If you live in a dry climate and part or all of your land is not feasible to irrigate (too steep,

12 Cattle Guide
 On average, a good quality pasture — good soil,
containing palatable forage plants rather than weeds —
that gets adequate moisture from rainfall or irrigation,
will easily feed two adult beef animals per acre (such as
yearlings or dry cows) during the growing season.

or no available water source or water right), increased nutritional needs during peak lactation met by pasture, and calves are sold or
forage plants will likely be native grasses. weaned before the cows need hay in late fall, you save money on hay. Your calves may
Many of these are quite nutritious, but not not be as big in the fall as early-born calves, but they are more profitable. You’ll have less
as productive (not as many tons of forage per winter feed cost associated with raising the later born calf.
acre) as tame grasses that depend on regular Don’t assume that reduced weaning weight means reduced profit. Cost should always be
watering (from rain or irrigation). Without considered, whether you are raising calves or yearlings to sell or fattening a beef to butcher.
irrigation, it takes more land to raise cattle The more days the animal can be grazing (versus eating hay) during peak nutritional de-
in the arid West, for instance, where annual mand, the lower the annual cost of keeping that animal on the farm.
rainfall might be 6 to 12 inches of moisture, For best results in grazing management, look at forage demand rather than cattle numbers
compared to a farm in the East or Midwest — and try to match the number of cattle with what the pasture will produce. Be observant
where rainfall might be 25 inches or more. and aware of what’s happening with the pasture and cattle, and flexible enough to adjust
On native hillside pastures in the West it the stocking rate according to the pasture conditions, and to learn from your mistakes.
might take 10 to 50 acres to feed a cow and
calf for one month. Overgrazing this type of Rotational Grazing
pasture will damage the plants and eventu- If you have good quality tame pastures (with adequate rainfall or irrigation) you can get
ally kill them. Native grasses evolved being maximum beef production per acre by using rotational grazing, timing the grazing of each
grazed (by elk and bison) and are healthiest small pasture segment when the plants are most ready, then letting them regrow while you
if grazed during their growing season, but graze another part. Giving each pasture enough rest to recover before coming back to it
were grazed by wandering herds that grazed may allow you to regraze it several times during a growing season.
them once or twice in a season and moved Grass grows in three stages. Stage one occurs when it comes out of dormancy, after
on. Repeated grazing by confined animals winter, or after being harvested — as hay or by grazing — down to short stubble. It takes
throughout the growing season may weaken awhile for it to grow enough leaf area to capture enough solar energy to grow rapidly
and kill the plants. Dryland (non-irrigated) (phase two). Cattle prefer the grass in phase one because it is tender and succulent, and
pastures always take more acreage per ani- high in nutritional quality.
mal because the grass grows more slowly If a pasture is grazed continually through the season, without rest periods facilitated by
and there is more space between plants. rotation, cattle keep going back to the same short plants, seeking out phase one grasses. This
Thus the number of cattle you can raise stresses the plants because they don’t have enough leaf area to support their maintenance
without supplemental purchased feed will needs. Plants have maintenance requirements and growth requirements, just like animals
depend not only on the amount of acreage do. In phase one, the grass is just maintaining itself; the small amount of growth is very
you have, but also on the climate, access to high quality, and grazing animals really like to eat it.
irrigation water, soil types and forage plants. If the pasture is rested during phase one, the plants start to accumulate enough leaf area
One way to use summer grass is to buy to where they can grow more swiftly (phase two). This fast growth will continue until the
small yearlings in spring when grass be- mass of the plant takes a lot of energy to maintain its large structure. By then some of the
gins to flourish, graze them until fall, and lower leaves will be shaded by upper ones and some leaves start dying. When the plant
sell them when pasture quality and quan- gets to that point it goes into phase three, in which growth rate slows dramatically. This
tity begins to decline. If you have a herd of is the phase in which it would be cut for hay; the plant is as large as it’s going to get. If
cows, they can be fed hay during the winter you’re grazing a pasture, however, rather than cutting it as hay, you may want to keep as
or dry season, and calved when grass starts much grass as possible in stage two (rapid growth) — for best total production during the
to grow. growing season.
It’s often most economical to calve dur- The ideal situation is to keep cattle off the pasture until grass enters phase two and is
ing the time of year your grass is starting to not as easily damaged or set back by grazing. Put cattle into the pasture when the grass
grow, rather than too early in spring when is four-to-six inches tall and let them graze until they eat it down to about three inches.
the cows are still on hay. If cows have their If you graze it all the way back to phase one, stripping the plant of its leaves, it will take

Cattle Guide 13
 much longer to recover. It needs a longer rest are temperature extremes, and not always
period before you can graze it again. This being able to have the grass watered when
may make the rest period longer than you it needs it. Growth rate fluctuates, with
can afford, if you only have a few pastures. grass growing very fast for awhile and
Overgrazing is defined as a plant being then slowing; it’s hard to keep all the grass
grazed before it has a positive carbohydrate in phase two. Rotational grazing gives you
balance — such as too early in the growing more chance to try to hold grass in phase
season, or continuously eating it down be- two for as much of the season as possible.
fore it gains enough reserves. In a continu-
ous grazing situation, when animals stay in Fencing for Rotational Grazing
the same pasture year round or all through Depending on your situation, you may
summer, overgrazing occurs on the favorite want permanent fence or portable fencing to
plants because cattle keep grazing them back divide your pastures, fence off ditchbanks or
to phase one. This can happen if you have other small grazing areas from hayfields, etc.
cattle in a pasture too long or the rest period If there’s a chance you might want to use the
is too short in a rotation system. In a continu- field or pasture as a whole (or put up hay on
ously grazed pasture you’ll see overgrazed it), use temporary fence to divide it.
areas (phase one grass) right next to mature Temporary electric fencing is inexpensive
patches the cattle won’t eat (phase three) and can be quickly and easily moved if you use
because the plants are over-mature and push-in posts — and you don’t need gates. You
Rotational grazing will maximize meat or coarse — with no phase two grass. can move cattle from one area to another just
milk production no matter what species of If you have abundant rainfall or do a by setting two tall sticks or pieces of PVC pipe
livestock you raise. good job of irrigating, and keep the number in the fenceline for a moment to raise and hold
of animals in balance with the pasture, you the wire at a height the cattle can go under it
can get by with continuous grazing (not and into the new section of pasture. Once cattle
having to rotate pastures). The common learn they can do this, it’s easy to move them
problems in this situation (in most climates) through the fence, without needing a gate.

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14 Cattle Guide
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Cattle Guide 15
 Selecting Hay for Cattle

By Heather Smith Thomas

By Heather Smith Thomas

D
uring winter, drought or any other times that animals do not
have adequate pasture, hay is the mainstay of diet for cat-
tle. Next to pasture, good quality hay is the most ideal feed.

16 Cattle Guide
Types of Hay Some hayfields
Hay falls into several categories: grass, legume, mixed (contain-
ing grass and a legume) and cereal grain straw (such as oat hay). consist of “wild hay”
Some of the more common grass hays include timothy, brome, or-
chard grass and bluegrass. In some parts of the country, fescue, reed
or “meadow hay” as
canary grass, ryegrass, and Sudan grass are common. In northern compared to “tame”
parts of the U.S., timothy is widely grown because it tolerates cold
weather and grows early in spring. It does not do well in hot cli- hay grasses that have
mates, however. In central and southern parts of the country you
are more apt to find Coastal Bermuda grass, brome, or orchard grass
been planted. Many
because these tolerate heat and humidity better. of the native or
Some hayfields consist of “wild hay” or “meadow hay” as com-
pared to “tame” hay grasses that have been planted. Many of the volunteer plants that
native or volunteer plants that grow in uncultivated hayfields are
good, nutritious grasses that make acceptable hay for beef cattle. As
grow in uncultivated
long as the plant mix is predominantly grasses of palatable types hayfields are good,
(rather than weeds or swamp grasses), meadow hay is quite ad-
equate for winter feed — especially for mature cows that don’t need nutritious grasses
high levels of protein. Some of these native grasses when cut before
seed heads mature, are very palatable and high enough in protein
that make acceptable
content for calves and lactating cows, without having to add a sup- hay for beef cattle.
plemental protein source.
Cereal grain crops (especially oats) are sometimes cut while still
green and growing, rather than waiting for the seed heads to ma-
ture for grain. If harvested properly, this makes good hay, especially
when it is grown with peas (a legume). There is always some risk of hay have more nutrients and are
nitrate poisoning, however, if cereal grain hays are harvested after a more digestible when the plant
spurt of growth following a drought period. The hay can be tested is immature and growing, and
for nitrate content if you are considering using this type of hay. more fiber when the plant has
Legumes used for hay include alfalfa, various types of clover reached full growth. Legume
(such as red, crimson, alsike and ladino), lespedeza, birds-foot tre- leaves, by contrast, do not have
foil, vetch, soybean, and cowpeas. Good legume hay generally has a the same structural function and
higher level of digestible energy, vitamin A, and calcium than grass don’t change that much as the
hay. Alfalfa may have twice the protein and three times the level of plant grows. But the stems be-
calcium than grass hay. Thus alfalfa is often fed to animals that need come coarser and more fibrous.
more protein and minerals. Alfalfa stems, for example, are
Early bloom alfalfa (cut before the blossoms open) has about 18 woody, serving as structural
percent crude protein, compared with 9.8 percent for early bloom support for the plant. Leaf to
timothy (before seed heads fill), 11.4 percent for early bloom or- stem ratio is the most important
chard grass, and lower levels for most other grasses. Alfalfa cut at criteria in judging nutrient qual-
full bloom drops to 15.5 percent crude protein, compared to 6.9 per- ity in an alfalfa plant. The digest-
cent for late bloom timothy and 7.6 percent for late bloom orchard ibility, palatability and nutrient
grass. Thus legume hay, cut early, is more apt to meet the protein value is highest  when the plant
and mineral needs of young growing animals, pregnant and lactat- is young — with more leaves
ing animals than will many of the grass hays. and less stems. About 2/3 of the
Nutritional value of hay is related to leaf content. Leaves of grass energy and 3/4 of the protein

Cattle Guide 17
and other nutrients are in the can get by on rather plain hay If hay is expensive, beef cattle
leaves of a forage plant (whether — of any type — but if lactating can often get by eating a mix of
grass or legume). Coarse, thick- they will need adequate  pro- straw and some type of protein.
stemmed hay (overly mature) tein. Good palatable grass hay, Straw (aftermath from harvest
has more fiber and less nutrition cut while still green and grow- of oats, barley, or wheat) pro-
than immature, leafy hay with ing, can be very adequate, but vides energy created by fermen-
finer stems. if grass hay is coarse and dry tation breakdown in the rumen.
If buying alfalfa hay, you’ll (with little vitamin A or protein), A small amount of alfalfa or a
want to know if it is first, sec- you’ll need to add some legume commercial protein supplement
ond or third cutting (or later), hay to their diet. can provide the needed protein,
and at what stage of growth it Young calves have small, ten- minerals, and vitamins. If buy-
was harvested. If buying grass der mouths and cannot chew ing straw to feed, select good
hay, maturity at harvest will coarse hay very well — wheth- quality, clean straw. Oat straw
also make a difference in its nu- er grass or alfalfa. They do best is the most palatable; cattle like
trient quality. Your choice will with fine, soft hay that’s cut be- it quite well. Barley straw is not
depend on the type of animals fore bloom stage; it not only con- as well liked, and wheat straw
you are feeding, and their spe- tains more nutrients, but is also is least desirable as feed. If feed-
cific needs. much easier to eat. ing cereal grain hay (cut while
Dairy cattle need the best still green and growing, rather
Hay for Cattle hay with the most nutrients per than at maturity as straw), be
Cattle can generally tolerate pound since they are produc- careful with this type of hay,
dustier hay than can horses, and ing more milk than a beef cow. and have it checked for nitrate
can often eat a little mold with- Most dairy cattle will not milk levels to avoid nitrate poison-
out problems. Keep in mind, adequately on grass hay, nor on ing.
however, that some types of stemmy, coarse alfalfa without In cold weather, cattle do bet-
mold may cause abortion in many leaves. A dairy cow needs ter if fed extra roughage (grass
pregnant cows. The quality of to be able to eat as much as pos- hay or straw), since they have
the hay needed will also depend sible, and she will eat more fine, a large “fermentation vat” (ru-
on whether you are feeding ma- palatable alfalfa hay than coarse men). During the breakdown
ture beef cattle, young calves, or hay, and get a lot more nutrition of fiber in the rumen, heat and
dairy cattle. Mature beef cattle from it. energy are created. During cold
weather, you need to feed your
cattle more roughage, rather
than more legume hay.

Cost
As a general rule, good qual-
ity legume hay costs more than
grass hay (due to higher pro-
tein content), unless you live
in a region where legume hay
is the primary crop. Relative
cost for hay will vary around
the country, with cost reflecting
supply and demand — along
with freight costs to haul it.
In drought years when hay is
scarce, it will cost a lot more
than in years when there is
plentiful supply. If hay must be
18 Cattle Guide
hauled very far, the price of fuel
(in freight costs added to the
base price) will make the total The quality of the hay needed will
very expensive. also depend on whether you are
Tips on Selecting Hay feeding mature beef cattle, young
Hay quality can vary greatly,
depending on growing condi- calves, or dairy cattle. Mature beef
tions (wet or dry weather, hot or
cool). Hay that grows slowly in cattle can get by on rather plain
cool weather is often more fine
and palatable, with more nutri- hay — of any type — but if lactating
ents per pound, than hay grow-
ing rapidly in hot weather. Hay
they will need adequate  protein.
that grows fast doesn’t have as
much time to absorb minerals
from the soil, for instance, and
some types of plants mature too
quickly; they may be too coarse
and stemmy (and past bloom mold, dust, discoloration due to quality. Hay should smell good,
stage, with less nutrient quality weathering (to know if the cut not musty, sour or moldy. Flakes
than green, growing plants) by hay was rained on before being should separate easily and not
the time the hay is harvested. baled and stacked). Check for be stuck together. Moldy hay,
Other factors that affect nutri- heat (and smell the hay) to know or hay that heated too much
tional value include plant spe- if it’s fermented. after being baled will usually
cies, fertility of soil, harvesting Also check for foreign mate- be heavy, stuck together,  and
methods (whether the hay was rial in the bales, such as rocks, dusty. Alfalfa hay that has heat-
crimped and conditioned to dry sticks, baling twines or wire. The ed excessively may be brown
faster, losing less leaves and nu- latter can cause hardware disease and “caramelized,” smelling
trients during drying) and cur- in cattle if ingested wire pokes sweet or a little bit like molas-
ing time. through the gut and creates ses. Cattle like it, but some of
One way to assess maturity peritonitis. Cattle often eat hur- the nutrients have been cooked;
of alfalfa hay is the snap test. riedly and don’t sort out small much of the protein and vitamin
If a handful of hay bends easily foreign objects. Baling twines A have been destroyed. Good
in your hand, the fiber content in hay can also be hazardous if hay will be uniformly green and
is relatively low. The hay will eaten. Calves often chew on and smell good, with no brown spots
be more nutrient dense and di- eat twines, which can create fatal or moldy portions.
gestible (with less woody lig- blockage in the gut. Try to select hay that has
nin), than if the stems snap like Rained-on hay that had to be been protected from weather
twigs. redried will be dull in color — by a tarp or hay shed, unless
Hay samples can be tested; yellow or brown, rather than you are buying it directly out of
core samples from several bales bright green. All hay will weath- the field after baling.  Rain on a
can be sent to a hay testing lab er; the sun bleaches the outside stack can ruin the top layer or
for analysis. This is always wise of the bales. You often can’t tell two, soaking in and causing
when trying to evaluate hay for the quality of hay by looking at mold. The bottom layer of bales
protein or mineral content. You the outside. The inside should may also be moldy if the stack
should also open a few bales still be green, however, even if sat on ground that draws mois-
and look at the hay inside, to the outer edges have faded due ture. Top and bottom bales will
check texture, maturity, color to exposure to rain and sun. weigh more (adding cost) and
and leafiness. Check for weeds, Odor also gives a good clue to have spoilage.
Cattle Guide 19
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Cattle Guide